Tuesday 28 March 2023
The hyperbaric chamber in Guernsey is an essential lifesaving piece of equipment for visiting and local divers who suffer from decompression sickness.
While thankfully the chamber is rarely used, it is essential that training exercises simulating possible real-life scenarios are carried out to ensure those involved keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
On Sunday 19 March 2023, a training exercise was carried out involving a diver suffering from severe spinal decompression sickness.
Led by Dr Sally Simmons (Diving Adviser for the States of Guernsey), Becky Cooper (Ward Manager, Emergency Department) and Rob Alder (Lead Hyperbaric Supervisor and lead for Harbour divers) the training exercise involved representatives from the RNLI, St John Ambulance and Rescue, Joint Emergency Services Control Centre (JESCC), Harbours, the Resilience Planning Team, and the Hyperbaric team.
The scenario used for the training exercise involved a diver experiencing symptoms of decompression sickness. The diver was seen and treated at the harbour by the RNLI and St John Ambulance before they were transferred and handed over to the Emergency Department team for a full neurological assessment.
Dr Simmons said:
'These training exercises allow staff to practice a scenario which is a realistic as possible.
The training day was very successful and demonstrates a multi-agency approach to managing dive incidents on island.'
